Our Services

Fractional CFO pricing in Calgary typically ranges from $3,000 to $10,000 per month depending on the scope of work and the time commitment required. Some lighter advisory engagements can be structured at a lower monthly rate, while more intensive engagements — such as those involving active fundraising, M&A support, or financial turnaround work — may be higher. We always start with a complimentary strategy session to understand your needs before proposing a fee structure.

A controller is responsible for the accuracy and integrity of your financial records — managing the accounting team, ensuring proper controls, and producing financial statements. A CFO operates at the strategic level — using those financial statements to build forecasts, manage risk, plan for growth, and advise the leadership team. Many businesses need both. Fiscura CFO operates at the CFO level; we work alongside your existing controller or accounting team.

Yes — in fact, this is one of the most common reasons businesses engage a fractional CFO. We help you prepare for a capital raise by getting your financials in order, building a financial model, preparing investor materials, and ensuring your business is positioned to meet lender or investor requirements. This is closely related to our Business Funding service, and many clients engage us for both.

There is no minimum commitment. Some clients engage us for a specific project — such as preparing for a funding round or supporting an M&A transaction — which might last three to six months. Others engage us on an ongoing retainer basis for years. We do not lock clients into long-term contracts. The engagement continues as long as it is delivering value.

We have helped clients raise capital ranging from $500,000 to over $20 million in a single transaction. The right amount depends entirely on your business, your goals, and what you can support with your financial projections. We have collectively helped clients access over $200 million in capital across a range of funding types.

Qualification requirements vary significantly by funding type. For bank debt, lenders typically want to see at least two years of operating history, positive cash flow, and a clear use of funds. For government programs like BDC or CSBFP, requirements are more flexible. For private equity or venture capital, investors focus more on growth trajectory, market opportunity, and management team. We assess your specific situation and identify the funding sources you are most likely to qualify for.

The Canada Small Business Financing Program (CSBFP) is a federal government program that helps small businesses access loans of up to $1.15 million for the purchase of equipment, leasehold improvements, and real property. The program is administered through participating financial institutions, with the federal government sharing the risk with lenders. It is one of the most accessible funding programs for small businesses in Canada.

Timeline varies by funding type. Bank debt and government-backed loans typically take four to twelve weeks from application to close. Government grants can take longer — sometimes three to six months. Private equity and venture capital processes are typically the longest, often taking six to twelve months from initial outreach to close. We help you plan your funding timeline and manage the process to keep things moving.

A typical M&A transaction for a small to mid-sized business takes six to twelve months from initial engagement to close. This includes preparation (one to two months), marketing and buyer outreach (two to four months), due diligence (one to three months), and closing (one to two months). Transactions can move faster or slower depending on the complexity of the business, the number of interested buyers, and the due diligence process.

In an asset purchase, the buyer acquires specific assets and liabilities of the business — not the legal entity itself. In a share purchase, the buyer acquires the shares of the company and takes on all of its assets, liabilities, and obligations. Buyers typically prefer asset purchases because they can choose which assets and liabilities to take on. Sellers typically prefer share purchases because they may qualify for the Lifetime Capital Gains Exemption (LCGE) in Canada, which can shelter up to $1,016,602 (2024) of capital gains from tax. We help you understand the implications of each structure and negotiate the right deal.

The Lifetime Capital Gains Exemption (LCGE) is a Canadian tax provision that allows eligible shareholders to shelter a significant amount of capital gains from the sale of qualifying small business corporation shares. For 2024, the exemption is $1,016,602 per individual. Proper planning before a sale can significantly increase your after-tax proceeds. We work with your tax advisors to ensure your transaction is structured to maximize your eligibility for the LCGE.

A business is ready to sell when it has clean, well-documented financials; a management team that can operate without the owner; a diversified customer base; and a clear growth story. We offer an exit readiness assessment that evaluates your business against the criteria buyers and investors care about most, and identifies the steps you can take to maximize your sale price. Many business owners benefit from engaging us 12 to 24 months before they plan to sell, so there is time to address any gaps.